The Clontarf Foundation commenced in 2000 with a single academy located in Western Australia and now, more than 20 years on, it operates 158 academies in six of our States and Territories and supports more than 11,000 participants.

The Newcastle Clontarf Academy, integrated into Newcastle High School, was established in 2019 and Port Waratah has been a proud community partner from the start. Staffed by full-time mentors, the academy rooms are a welcoming, comfortable and inclusive space, designed to foster positive learning and personal growth for the young men in the programme. Port Waratah’s funding has directly contributed to the costs associated with the daily activities that deliver a rich, holistic programme.

Port Waratah’s relationships and understanding with local First Nations communities has grown over this time and in 2023 the Community Investment and Partnership Programme introduced a new priority area, Partnerships for Reconciliation, to extend support across all Awabakal and Worimi Country. Port Waratah now has relationships with four Clontarf academies, Newcastle, Toronto and Irrawang High and Hunter River High located at Raymond Terrace.

Academy activities are planned within the focus areas of education, leadership, employment, well-being, life skills and support. In order to remain in the programme, participants must continue to work at school and embrace the learning, attendance and behavioural objectives of the Foundation.

The programme also offers participants a variety of activities such as weekly training sessions, camping trips, travel to various football carnivals and excursions to worksites.

At our Kooragang Terminal, we have hosted many worksite visits with participants from the academies. The young men receive an overview of Port Waratah’s operations and an understanding of how we fit into the Hunter Valley Coal chain. They also gain valuable insights by engaging with some of our young apprentices, be it mechanical or electrical trades. The discussions allow the young men the opportunity to ask questions and get a taste of what is required to be work-ready, which inspires the participants to consider a range of options for their future.